Workshop on Agent-Based Models in Social Network Analysis Using NetLogo
2 sessions, morning & afternoon: 9:00am until 4:00 pm on July 26, 2017
Attendance limited to 16 people
Instructors:
Dr. Wouter Vermeer and Gabriella Anton of Northwestern University
Session 1:
1) Introduction to ABM and Netlogo [1.5 hour]
2) Practical Assignments (part 1) [1.5 hour]
(Participants are encouraged to bring their own research questions and data)
Session 2:
1) Centralized evaluation of practical assignments (part 1) [0.5 hour]
2) Network extension [1 hour]
3) Practical Assignment 2 [1.5 hour]
(Participants are encouraged to bring their own research questions and data)
Description:
NetLogo (http://ccl.northwestern.edu/netlogo/) is a free, open source, modeling environment for simulating natural and social phenomena, authored by Prof. Wilensky, and it is currently the most cited agent-based modeling language in social sciences. NetLogo is designed to be a low threshold, high sealing programming environment that affords use among both young (or novice) coders and experts alike. Ever since its conception in 1999, the Center for Connected Learning and Computer Based Modeling (CCL) has continuously developed new language features and extensions to NetLogo. Among them is the Network-extension, which provides powerful Network Science capabilities in NetLogo.
NetLogo models, and agent-based models in general, are well suited for studying complex systems over time, and for executing scenario analyses. Modelers can give instructions to hundreds or thousands of "agents", all operating independently. This makes it possible to explore the 13 connection between the micro-level behavior of individuals and the macro level patterns that emerge from their interaction. With the addition of the Network extensions, NetLogo is particularly well suited for incorporating the networks that underlie systems in the analysis of such patterns, and for exploring the local rules that allow certain network structures to emerge. In the workshop, we provide an introduction on the use of NetLogo. We adopt a practical, hands on workshop approach, in which approximately half of the time will be spent with participants exploring and programming in NetLogo. For this workshop participants are encouraged to provide their own research questions (and/or data). We will help participants get started on their own NetLogo models, specifically focusing on the use of the Network extension. We emphasize providing support to new and current users for effectively integrating NetLogo in their research. The workshop will consist of two 3 hours sessions. To allow for sufficient room for interactions we impose a maximum number 16 participants to each session.
Link to Conference Information: http://insna.org/nasn2017/
